Tonga has launched a UNESCO-IOC programme aimed at strengthening tsunami preparedness in communities, with 20 communities targeted for international Tsunami Ready recognition by December.

The programme was formally launched in Nuku’alofa last Tuesday by Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, who said the recognition would only be meaningful if communities understood their risks and could act quickly when a tsunami threatened.

Led by the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), the programme brings together existing work on tsunami hazard information, evacuation planning, mapping, warning systems, public awareness and community exercises.

Tonga has been preparing for the programme through workshops and related work with UNESCO-IOC and the International Tsunami Information Center. UNESCO says Tonga is among the Pacific countries advancing implementation of the Tsunami Ready framework.

The initiative takes on added significance following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption and tsunami, which caused widespread damage and loss of life. Scientific research has also shown that the event generated tsunamis through several mechanisms, highlighting the difficulty of relying on conventional earthquake-based warnings alone.

NDRMO is working with Tonga Meteorological Service, Tonga Geological Services, Tonga Red Cross Society, Government agencies, churches, schools, communities and other partners.

A key message remains: “Long or strong, get gone.” People who experience a long or strong earthquake should move immediately to higher ground or as far inland as possible rather than waiting for an official warning.

The United States Government is supporting implementation, with funding administered through the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

The next stage will focus on helping participating communities meet the UNESCO-IOC indicators and, more importantly, ensuring preparedness is understood, practised and maintained at community level.